nate.

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD:

“But, isn’t that all the more reason to trust her?” Cassie knew that Nate could be impulsive. He didn’t think clearly when he was pissed off. And especially not when he felt threatened. Which, he did in the moment because Brooke and now Tyler, had something on them too. “If you tell Jake, she’s just going to tell Maddy everything. She’s a lot closer to her than she is me. So, there’s really nothing holding her back. If you say something, we’ll lose our leverage and then Maddy finds out why you dumped her tonight. You don’t get it but, those girls can be mean. It’s not YOU who suffers, it’s ME. So, if you care about me at all Nate, you won’t run to Jake. I face enough ridicule on my own from the girls at school, do you really want to put me through more of that?” Nate would never understand what it’s like to be a girl in high school. Where he gets praised for sleeping around, Cassie gets slut shamed. It wasn’t fair. “Promise me, you won’t say anything?”

/

Trust her? Nate wouldn’t trust Brooke if she was the last blonde bimbo on earth. What he could trust though, is beating Tyler down and then threatening her to keep quiet or he’ll get it a lot worse. That’s how he was raised to be. Your strength will lead you to greatness, Nathaniel. His father led him to believe in violence. It was an age-old tradition in masculinity. The men are warriors, fighters, they lead with their sword not their heart. But Cassie was a weakness he never saw coming. His Achilles heel; and he knows he should cut her loose before she takes him down but there’s something about her blue eyes that makes him crave love and tenderness more than being stronger and more manlier than his faggot father. “Fine, whatever. We’ll do things your way, Cas. But if your way fails, then it’s my way.” Giving up control was a huge deal for someone like Nate who spends every minute of his day in routine. From his workout regiment to his football training, everything has a mark. People included. They were just targets for him to crash into — like the Mod Sleds at practice. “Look, I know I can be intense, ok? I don’t mean to be. I just, I have a lot on my mind. But I don’t regret anything. I want you, Cassie. You. You’re the only one. So I’m going to trust you. Not Brooke, not Tyler, — you.” 

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD:

“I know.” By now, Cassie knew when to push her luck and when not to. Maddy brought out the worst in him, and perhaps that’s why they don’t belong together. The conversation, with Maddy out of breath, laughing and refusing to take Nate seriously, was the last straw. Whether it was having Cassie there that gave him the courage or something else, he finally broke things off. Cassie was relieved and because he was trying and she could see that, she relented to his wishes. “Yeah, sure. Let’s go.” Upon lacing her fingers with his, Cassie fell in step beside him and pressed her lips to the sleeve of his shirt, kissing his arm where a bruise was left from football practice. “I’m sorry about Maddy.” It seemed silly and stupid, Cassie apologizing for something that had nothing to do with her. But, she didn’t want Nate to blame himself or let Maddy ruin the rest of his night. Not after, they made up. “You feel like, settling down? Watching a movie and crashing on the boat? We can pretend it’s our own little oasis and we’re sailing away from all the drama here.” Cassie took Nate’s hands and interlaced their fingers after hopping in front of him. She was walking backwards up the dock and onto the boat. It wasn’t until they were on the top deck that Cassie heard wrestling underneath the floorboards. “Is that—” she paused to listen carefully, “It sounds like someone’s here, Nate.” Her first thought had been – Maddy. It wouldn’t be the first time she screwed someone else with the intention of Nate walking in on it. And she knows he likes to spend a lot of his time out here when shit hits the fan at home.

Nate was surprised when Cassie interlaced their fingers before burying her face in his arm. She was being cute and he didn’t deserve her adoration. He did what she asked by breaking up with Maddy but he owed her a lot more than that. He just wasn’t sure if he could give it to her and that makes him anxious. It was the same feeling he’d get if he were to talk out onto the football field without a game plan or strategy. “What? No, don’t be.” He was once again detached from reality, a scorpion muddling through the desert with nothing but its stinger. “Maddy and I, we were never going to work.” Slowly but surely Nate was falling back into a pit of darkness. Everything was numb. Then Cassie spun around as though she were on skates and her optimistic smile and girlish ideals managed to pull him away from the gates of hell. Blinking, a grin spread across his lips as he reaches out to grab onto her waist. “I think, sailing away from all this bullshit with you, would make one hell of a birthday present.” he frames her face in his large hands and kisses her with so much passion that either one of them could slipped off the dock into the water. If it wasn’t for Cassie hearing something coming from the boat, they just might have. “Must be some asshole from the party—” that or his father could have lured some sweet innocent minor onto his yacht to feed his demon. Unsure if he should walk away or check it out, Nate decided to grab onto Cassie’s hand and lead her toward the noise. It was coming from one of the bedrooms, a lot of moaning and hoarse whispers. “Party’s over, get the fuck out.” Nate hits a switch on the wall and when the light comes on, he's surprised to see the new kid in bed with Brooke. He was so caught off guard that he hadn’t realized he was still holding onto Cassie’s hand. Tyler and Brooke were caught, but so were Nate and Cassie. 

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD​: 

It might not have seemed like much to most people, but Nate was saying all the right things. And not because Cassie wanted to hear them, although she did, but because he actually felt them. He felt a lot of things around her, and she was a threat to his very nature. She made him weak, while others made him strong. “Don’t you get it, Nate? I need to see the real you….” Contrary to popular belief, the real him wasn’t the version he put out to the world. It was the version he became around her. He just said it himself that without her he was numb, a broken, empty shell of a person. But with her – he felt things. Real things. She needed him to embrace that side of himself. Even if he couldn’t do it in large doses, even just a small amount would help. It would make her feel more like an actual person and less of a body he fucks just for kicks. Cassie was so used to guys using and abusing her for her body. She didn’t want the same process to be repeated with Nate. She desired love, real love. The kind shown in movies and books. Not the twisted, fake versions of it, kids their age pretended to have or paraded around for likes and views on Instagram. “I need to know you care about me or this won’t work and we’re just wasting our time.”

Cassie didn’t know what she was asking of him. Money and appearance aside, who would want to settle down with a guy like Nate Jacobs? He was emotionally confusing and abusive. At least that’s the way it’s always been. But with Cassie, there was a softer side. Imagine letting that side become the more dominant one, though. He’d become weak and malleable and she’d snap him in half because that’s what people do. There is no such thing as true love; it’s all just selfishness and fear. It’s needing others to fill holes in your heart but people can’t fill holes, because its not in human nature to be trapped. 

“I do, care about you...” he clenched his fist, feeling very uncomfortable and anxious. Why did she have to do this to him? He was far too damaged to take on all this responsibility. “Listen, I— I’m—” In the struggle of trying to find his words, Nate’s phone interrupted him. The caller ID read Maddy and below her name was a picture of them. The photo, a seemingly cute moment captured in time, was really nothing more than a mirage: a fallacy. 

“I know you deserve better than me. I’m going to try — okay?” To prove it, Nate answered the call. He was going to tell Maddy it was over. Pull the band-aid off and be done with it once and for all. But when he answered, all he could hear was bullshit. By the end of the call, he was in a bad mood. Not even the patron around his neck could protect him from the anger coursing through his veins. “Look, can we just go on my dad’s boat and get away from all this. Please? I know I don’t deserve you. I’m...I’m fucked up but I’m not stupid.” She has more to offer him than he has to offer her. Like beauty and the beast, she could make him human. She could give him tenderness, love, and joy. What did he have to offer her? Money? Status? None of that matters. If it did, his family wouldn’t be so broken. 

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD:

“It’s not!” she licked her lips, in between a harsh breath. Her heart was thrashing against her chest, threatening to jump out of her skin. She didn’t want any of this. Least, not the part where he got too comfortable with their arrangement. Maybe, it was her fault for not requesting they go public sooner. But, at the same time, she wasn’t ready then. And she wasn’t really ready now. A fact, Nate knew and decided to exploit by calling her bluff. “Stop it!” She ground out, immediately going on the defense. She was appalled that he yelled at her to shut up but, even more so that he’d cornered her and flipped the blame entirely around on her. She wasn’t the one in a relationship, it shouldn’t be her responsibility to call it quits with his girlfriend. Only Nate could do that. “I’m not gonna do that and you know why I wouldn’t. It’s not my responsibility to break up with YOUR girlfriend for you. If you wanted me, you would’ve made  that happen already.” Even when she showed up at his house to return his book earlier that day, he said it was bold of her to show her face. Afraid daddy Jacobs would see her? Maybe. Even though, to him, Cassie would be a catch. But, thats only because Cal Jacobs was a closet pedophile and certified creep who preys on minors and even tapes himself having sex with them. A secret only Nate and Jules knew because she was one of those minors. “What do you truly want from me, Nate? Besides sex? Because if it’s me, I don’t see that. And I don’t feel it. You’re just mad one of your toys are being taken away from you. Not that it’s me specifically. Just be honest.” In some ways, maybe she was pushing him away. Because, she knew his reputation and was scared of him hurting her. 

With a very perplexed and dangerous mind, the darkness in Nate wanted to respond to Cassie, but there was good inside him that only she could let out. His edges were softer around her; it was her sweet voice and wholesome heart. He wanted to be more like her but she was unfortunately outnumbered by the toxicity he was influenced by. His father, his coach, the entire football team. They preach about masculinity and being an alpha male. He was supposed to be an apex predator, not another one of Cassie’s simps. Pressing a hand onto his face, he rubbed his eyes and pinched down onto the bridge of his nose feeling the onset of a headache. If he didn’t want to be so conflicted, so vulnerable, he’d have to get rid of her. “You’re not, not a fucking toy.” The thought made him think of his father and the way he’d tape himself gagging young boys and transgenders with his fingers. He’d take them to a motel, tease them, taunt them, flip them and fuck them all on video. Nate reluctantly adapted those same toxic traits. He was a savage in the bedroom; full of anger and resentment and he never rolls out of bed without leaving bruises on the person laying beside him. “Be honest?” He shakes his head, thoughts swirling. What did she want him to say — that he might actually be in love with her? “The truth is, I’m with Maddy because I don’t love her. I’m not a good person. I’m fucked up. With her, it’s easy because I don’t care... With you, it’s different.” He didn’t want to hurt her. But could he love her the way she deserves to be loved? Could he offer her more than what he gives to Maddy? “I never get nervous about anything... big games...breaking the law...getting into fights... nothing. I’m, I’m fucking numb.... until I’m around you. Then it’s like, I’m living in a different world...In different skin. I feel so much with you. I just, I’m afraid of you seeing the real me.” 

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD​:

“No,” panic clawed its way out of her throat, forcing Cassie to rethink whatever it was she was about to say. “No. I mean –– I don’t know ––“ she sounded just as confused as she felt. Her heart sank into her stomach, while watching Nate struggle. She could see him straining, and knew the violence he tried so hard to contain was threatening to make an appearance. “Because, Nate.” The reasons for her doubts should’ve been made obvious. He was still with Maddy and not with her. Even if he spent more nights cradling her under the stars than his own girlfriend, the fact of the matter remained. She was just his side chick. The one he could open up to in private but felt too ashamed to acknowledge or claim in public. “Don’t do that.” Her anger turned to annoyance, as she tried to thwart the guilt trip he was forcing her to feel. Now it was her fault for ruining his birthday? He didn’t want to accept any of the blame himself. “Or fine, whatever. Tell yourself it’s my fault and you’ve done nothing wrong if that makes you feel better.” Frustrated, Cassie continued to walk, trekking across the sand. She knew Nate was trailing her now, so escaping him was unavoidable. Thus, she stopped trying to run from him altogether and turned around to face his towering shadow. “I’ve heard all of this stuff before, Nate. But let’s face it, you’ll never break things off with Maddy. The whole school thinks I’m some trashy slut. And part of me thinks, you do too. Like, you’re too ashamed to admit you like me to anyone except me. How am I supposed to feel about that? Am I just supposed to open my door and my legs to you any time you need relief? What about me? Don’t I deserve to be with someone who actually feels proud to be with me, or to hold my hand in public, and walk me to class? Face it, Nate. That’s not you or else you would’ve done something about it by now.” 

She was frustrated, but so was he — if not more so. Because he had no idea she was feeling this way. They were fine? She came to his party and he told her she looked beautiful. Now all of a sudden she was leaving and they were no longer each other’s safe haven? He was pissed. She gave him something only to tear it away the moment he relied on it — needed it. Was that her plan all along — to make him fall in love with her and then to walk away with his heart in her hands? People always warned Nate karma was real and that it would come for him someday, not dressed in a black robe like some grim reaper. Karma was beautiful, with blue eyes and pale, ivory skin. That was his karma, at least. Cassie accomplished one thing no other girl has, nor will ever. She slayed the beast that was Nate Jacobs. Stabbed his heart with her dagger and pulled it out without so much as a flinch. “So, all of this is done? Well, if that’s what you want.” he swallowed thickly, unable to digest the bile in his throat. He was trying his damnedest not to get emotional but his eyes sparkled with hurt all the same. “Shut up. You’re wrong.” his jaw flexed, anger filling his veins like a poison. He continued to follow her, all the way to the crest of the dark, moonlit ocean where two silhouettes could be seen, entwined in the shadows. “So you’re ready to break Maddy’s heart? To jump into a relationship with me, here and now? Then let’s go back to the party and do it.” He was calling her bluff. Cassie and Maddy have been friends for as long as he could remember. He didn’t think she’d be able to go through with it. However he was willing to dare her. Because believe it or not, he would give it all up for her. He just needed to borrow some of her strength. 

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD:

“What —what —what?!” She tried to wriggle free from his hold, but to no avail. Nate was stronger, faster, more put together in every single way. It kind of made sense why he didn’t want to publicly date her. Cassie was known as the school slut. And she was pretty sure Cal Jacobs wouldn’t approve. He’d likely say that Nate needed a more well rounded, well put together girl. Someone nicer, more innocent, and whose family was loaded too, just to avoid using him for his money. Cassie was none of those things. She was broken, damaged, tainted, and insecure beyond repair. By cutting him loose, she’d be doing him a huge favor. “Nate, just stop.” Her hands folded around his biceps as she failed to meet his gaze. She knew that if she did, she’d melt into those eyes and all resolve would be lost. “We can’t keep doing this. I can’t keep doing this.” She knew, he wouldn’t let her go without a fight. That’s why he chased her out here, instead of Maddy. Who he was still publicly dating, and not her.  “I don’t want to be your side piece anymore. Just some girl you fuck or turn to when your life’s dissolved to utter shit. I thought I could but, I can’t. So please, just don’t. Okay? I don’t want to fight with you on your birthday. I shouldn’t have come at all. I should just go home…” 

( music continues to play )

Nate felt something in his heart tremble and crack as Cassie pulled away from him, her voice holding traces of anger and resentment. Nate felt especially vulnerable in the moment and that’s when his cruel streak usually makes an appearance. It was self-perseverance. If he let himself care, she’d crack him wide open and that was a pain he wouldn’t be able to recover from. A tussle with his father, a tackle on the football field, a fight at school – he could handle these acts of brutality ; Cassie breaking his heart, though – he wouldn’t make it back from that. “So what you’re telling me is, you came here, to my party, to essentially end things?” The knot in his throat was a hard one to swallow but he didn’t let the pain reach his eyes. He wore anger instead. Like an old jacket: familiar and safe. “Why do you think you’re just some girl I fuck? If that’s what you think, then you haven’t been paying attention at all.” He growled under his breath, eyes burning like ember. He blinked and his emotions betrayed him, glinting like a galaxy made up of sad worthlessness. He mirrored how she felt, but never let it creep to the surface. He had an image to protect. The all-star American boy. A football hero and son to a business magnate. There was so much expectation to be perfect and he hated it. That’s why he dated Maddy – she was messy and reckless. But he didn’t love her. He loved Cassie, who was sweet and protective. “If you go home, my birthday will be ruined. I don’t give a shit about all these other people, Cass. All I care about…. is you.”

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD​:

Even in a crowded room, ( or in this case, a crowded party ) he had this ability of making her feel so small. His body towered over hers and it was obvious judging by his questions that he couldn’t read the moment. Maybe, she wasn’t spelling it out clearly enough for him. “No,” was all she could muster in response. No, she wasn’t okay. And no, she didn’t want to get out of there. Or least of all, she didn’t want to go anywhere with him. It was pointless, anyway. They’d just screw and then, she’d end up all alone. Cassie was tired of feeling worthless, of giving herself over to guys who only wanted her in secret. It made her feel used and debased. “Look, I can’t do this anymore. Just have a good birthday, okay?” Despite escaping to the bar first, it didn’t feel like much of an escape anymore. Thus, she stood up and began to walk away. She never expected Nate to follow, she just needed to breathe and she couldn’t do that near him. So, she started on the path towards the beach. alone. And in the dark. Maybe not her brightest idea but, it already felt a bit freeing. She was normally, such a yes girl. But, she didn’t want to be anymore. She wanted to feel loved and Nate wasn’t giving that to her, and so maybe it was time to cut him loose. 

Usually things between them were much chiller and Nate relied on her patience and virtue to get him through his nightmarish routines. Now she was angry and bitter, a far cry from the girl he was falling in love with. “Can’t do this anymore?” He argued, shaking his head with his teeth clenched in a permanent lock. It was like fighting with Maddy, all over again. Already he missed the girl who would comfort and soothe him. Unsure of what to do after she stood up and left him alone at the bar, Nate downed his beer in one tilt and then headed toward the beach. He was sure that’s where she went off to. She always said the stretch of water made her feel free — like she could go anywhere. Nate could relate, it’s why he also loved stargazing with her. The sky was limitless. He didn’t feel trapped when looking up, counting the constellations by her side while naked and drunk off a thousand dollar bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild. “—Cassie, can you just —stop.” Nate trudged through the sand, reaching for her arm. “You told me to have a good birthday and if you meant that, then... it’s what I’m doing. Nothing makes me happier than being with you.” 

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD:

“Thanks.” Her response is curt. It’s a low grumble underneath her breath. She doesn’t want Maddy to overhear and quite frankly, Nate’s inability to cut her loose and make a big move was beginning to annoy Cassie. She was starting to feel like his side piece, something she swore to never be. Not after recognizing the damage one could do to her own parents’ dissolving marriage. Nate didn’t want to be with her, fine. But, until he got his act together, he wouldn’t get to enjoy her much, either. “Sounds fun.” Turning away from him, Cassie smiles at her best friend. “Hey Mads, I think I’m gonna grab a drink from the bar. You want one?” It’s clear Cassie is intentionally avoiding Nate as Maddy declines, and ventures further into the country club with Beth. “Cool.” Instead of joining the other girls in their mission to cause a riot, Cassie sneaks a quick glance up at Nate’s face, and instantly regrets it. She can already feel the desire swelling inside of her stomach. She hopes the bartender has something strong enough to push Nate’s presence from the far depths of her mind. However, as she orders, she can feel him drawing closer. Cassie has to practically close her eyes and hold her breath as she waits for whatever snarky comment or bullshit excuse is set to leave his mouth. She snuffed him on her way in when he complimented her beauty, and she knew he’d have something to say about it.

( song playing over the bar )

It was already bad enough that his parents were up his ass, now he had to deal with Maddy being a total bitch, and Cassie’s iciness? He knew it was only a matter of time before she switched back to the cold front. One minute, she was into sneaking around and peeling off each other’s clothes in the dark, then the next she’s bitterly drinking herself numb, like (dare he think it) her mother. “Cass,” he approached her from behind, quietly. It was clear in his decision to follow her that he preferred her company over Maddy who was now participating in a game of beer pong with Beth, Jake, Stu, and a few others. “You okay?” He took a seat beside her at the bar and ordered himself a bottle of beer. He wanted to take the night slowly, knowing how different he becomes when he’s intoxicated. His father’s secrets made him angry, confused, and cruel. The only person who was able to curb those violent impulses was Cassie. She was undeniably sweet and though her upbringing was no better than his, she was able to hold onto her innocence. In some ways. In others, every man she’s ever met used and abused her. Having a body like hers must’ve felt like a curse at times. But Nate wasn’t pursing her for her bra size. He enjoyed her girlish laughter and the way she’d stay awake with him on the phone until five in the morning. If sex was all he cared about, he would have stayed with Maddy, who was a borderline porn star. “Wanna get out of here? We can take a bottle with us...” 

[natexjacobs]

starter for @cassiexhoward​

As of right now Nate wasn’t really feeling his birthday. His mother woke him up too early and his father already managed to get under his skin when he made an underhanded comment about how he didn’t deserve a high-profile party due to his grades which were significantly lower after his relationship with Maddy fell apart. He thought he loved her but maybe he didn’t. Because as she entered the country club with Beth and Cassie, Nathan’s eyes gravitated toward the latter. She looked gorgeous – but her beauty was more than skin deep. Her personality was intoxicating – air that he’s only had in short gasps since birth. She lit up his heart and made him feel worthy of things outside of sports and popularity. Around her, his anger becomes a faint shadow and he feels grounded. Normal.  “You look beautiful.” Nate whispered to Cassie but his eyes quickly flitted over to Maddy as to not give him away. “Not everyone is here yet, but my dad rented out the entire club so, we can all do whatever we want. No lines, no crowded rooms. All access, all night.”  

[natexjacobs]

CASSIE HOWARD​:

Cassie wasn’t oblivious to how this may’ve looked. Nate’s father and his older brother all but confirmed it with wide-eyes. They were curious about her. The sweet tempered, baby faced blonde who stopped by after school on a Friday. No one in his family liked or cared for Maddy. They thought she was too loud, too rude, and too problematic. And while all the above were true, Maddy was still Cassie’s best friend and she shouldn’t be there. “Why’s that?” Cassie teased. She retrieved a book from her bag, clearly aware of the prying eyes and ears just outside of Nate’s bedroom. “Oh!” As if the thought had just suddenly dawned on her (when really she was just playing coy and through looking into Nate’s eyes, he could see it) – “Was I interrupting something? I could always come back later? Drop this book off when you’re feeling up to it. Or…” Her voice dropped to a whisper as Cassie took a few cautious steps forward. She could see the hackles in Nate’s shoulders rise, and quickly realized his temper had been flared. Something told her, he wasn’t in the mood to play games. Thus, Cassie dropped the act long enough to place the book down on the edge of his bed, (some random AP Calculus & Trig hardcover, that he didn’t even take) meanwhile her hands cupped both of his sides as she steeled her sweet, blue gaze up at him. “What’s wrong, Nate?” She didn’t have to try and appear innocent, she just was. It’s one of the things Nate claimed to like most about her. He always said she was different. And it took Cassie a good while to warm up to that. She always thought different meant unattractive, and not normal. 

Nate always tried his best to keep the venom off his tongue when speaking to Cassie. He knew she didn’t deserve his ill-temper and yet it was so difficult for him to keep himself in check. His anger shot through him like an electrical current, shocking him into this fight or flight panic. With Maddy it was always fight— It’s all they ever did. Cassie received a softer, yet equally hurtful approach. Flight. He’d ignore her, not return her messages, and sometimes ice her out for no good reason. Maybe he thought he didn’t deserve her or maybe he was afraid of hurting her the way he hurts Madeleine. She was much too sweet for his rage. A quiet lamb, sneaking into the wolf’s den...unafraid of his sharp teeth. “I’m just going through a lot.” His jaw tightened, teeth grinding. He turned around and her hands fell away from the silkiness of his fresh shave. “It’s the party my parents are throwing for me. Maddy is giving me so much shit about it.” Cassie had already been invited along with a bunch of their classmates, the problem was with Madeleine and his parents not wanting her there. It would have been easier if she wasn’t. Then he could spend more time with his favorite blue-eyed sweetheart. “In a way, I wish I could spent the weekend alone, with you.” He whispered, his eyes falling onto the necklace around her neck. He gave it to her a few weeks ago and was happy she was still wearing it.

[natexjacobs]

starter for CASSIE HOWARD. 

Here they were again, fighting over nothing. Well, not nothing according to Maddy. He couldn’t keep his dick hard long enough to fuck. It wasn’t his fault he kept thinking of her best friend Cassie and how they had way more in common. With Madeleine, everything was screaming and apologizing. But with Cassie, Nate felt lighter on his feet. He was genuinely happy. She made him sleep better with her goodnight texts and smile when he woke up to the good morning ones. He wasn’t getting that from Madeline. There were too many games between them. “Just fuck you!” Nate slammed his phone down onto the bed after hanging up on her. It was his birthday weekend and she was ruining it. He was in a horrible mood until his father opened the door and said there was someone here to see him. Then as Cassie appeared in the doorway, his anger dissolved like puddles met with sunshine. “…Hi.” He stood up from the bed and his tone was at its softest. “Bold of you to show up so unexpectedly.” He teased, hinting to the fact that Madeline could have been over. They haven’t officially broken up yet.